Arguing that whenever new technology is adopted, instructors should always consider the purpose of promoting study. This Digest offers suggestions about using the computer as a study and learning aid. The Digest first discusses independent study, collaborative study, and interdisciplinary work with the help of the computer. The Digest then considers how in English instruction, the computer can add to mass media studies--students can read electronic newspapers, look at research reports on the Internet, and take quizzes with immediate answers. In addition, the computer can strengthen writing itself by allowing almost instantaneous revision with a word processor. The instructor may integrate the computer into a course gradually so that students can first acquire the basic computer skills, proceed to mini-research assignments on the school computer network, then continue with active correspondence on e-mail, and finally, attempt a collaborative project with a correspondent. Used judiciously, the computer offers bonuses for research, collaboration, and experimentation. (NKA)